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Previous Challenge Entry (Level 3 - Advanced)
Topic: FINISH (05/26/16)
The antique furniture was strategically placed. A soft rug brought warmth to the living room with a floor lamp casting a soft glow. Mandy squealed with delight as she peered in through the store front window.

“Mommy, I want one of those.” Her big brown eyes bore into my conscience.

I sighed and shook my head. “You have one at home, remember? Daddy will finish it when he gets home.”

She turned back to the extravagant dollhouse in the store window.

“It’s time to go home Mandy.” I heard a soft whimper, but she reluctantly turned away from the window and took my hand. We only had a short distance to walk home though my feet objected after a long day of taking breakfast and lunch orders.

Quietness and cold air engulfed us as we entered our small apartment. I immediately wrapped Mandy in a blanket as I removed her jacket.


“It’s cold Mommy.”

“I know, but we’ll feel warmer once we eat.” I hurriedly filled a pot with tap water and turned on the stove. Glancing at my young daughter, I noticed her examining the dollhouse kit still in its dusty box leaning against the wall in the living room. Why did I put it next to the Christmas tree?

“When is daddy coming home to build my dollhouse Mommy?”

“He’ll come home when his job is over. He’s making money for us so we have food and can live here,” I explained. And hopefully turn up the heat.

We enjoyed a gourmet meal of macaroni and cheese followed by a bubble bath for Mandy. I would love a bubble bath too, but there’s so much to do.

“Would you like to read a book before bedtime?” Knowing her answer, I had our favorite Christmas story behind my back. I tucked her into bed, and stretched out beside her as I opened my Bible.

“Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”

“Tomorrow we celebrate the day baby Jesus was born.” I looked at Mandy, wondering how much she was comprehending.

“Yes, and I prayed to Jesus, Mommy.” She peered at me innocently.

“That’s good. What did you pray?”

“I asked him for my dollhouse to be all fixed.”

A lump formed in my throat and I nodded. “Just remember, Jesus doesn’t always answer our prayers the way we want, but Christmas is always wonderful.”

I quickly finished tucking her in, and then closed her door. Walking out to the living room, I stared at the dollhouse kit that. Why can’t I do this? I grabbed the box, opened it, and pulled out the directions. That’s why; only a genius could decipher this. However, renewed determination came from somewhere, and I set out to do it.

I dumped at least 1000 pieces on the floor. I must be crazy! Into the late night hours I pieced together stairs, wood floors and small itsy bitsy tile. Blisters formed on my fingers from hot glue, and the pieces seemed to multiply. I stared at the remaining large bag of shake tiles for the roof, and knew I was defeated. It was early Christmas morning. I shook my head. What made me think I could do this?

I stumbled to my bedroom closet and dragged out a large doll I had purchased at the thrift store. Shaking out the long ratted hair, I walked to the living room and hesitantly placed it under the tree. This will have to do.

Back in my room, I fell into bed as tears soaked my pillow. Lord, take away Mandy’s disappointment. Let her know how much she is loved.

*****
“Mommy, wake up!” Mandy hollered into my face.

Startled, and mildly confused, I sat up and stared at her.

“What is it?”

“Come see!”

She grabbed my hand and helped to pull me out of bed. Giggling, she skipped ahead, leading me to the living room. There in front of us, was the answer to Mandy’s prayer. The finished dollhouse.

“Looks like you needed some assistance.” Her daddy smiled at me and winked.




(Luke 2:11-12 NIV)
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This article has been read 694 times
Member Comments
Member
Date
Raymond Bouchoc
06/04/16
It was a cute story with a delightful ending.

The paragraph that starts, "I quickly finished tucking her in..." has an extra word in it.

I felt like there was a problem between the mother and father and didn't expect him to show up.
Shann Hall-LochmannVanBennekom 
06/10/16
This is a lovely story. I got a lump in my throat as the Mom tried to build the dollhouse. The ending was not what I expected. It makes me wonder how often I think I need to do something my way, and after tears and frustration, Jesus does it his way. I suspect his way more than I know and it is a fantastic lesson for me at this point in my life. Great job.